Of things socially appended
Subscription has been suspended
Aggrandized assigned pedestals
Are unstable not eternal

What you see is what I give you
Simple life I dear to pursue
I care not if my friend or foe
Prefer me packaged in a bow

Prompt # 7

I am not fond of pretense or hypocrisy and fitting into the status quo. This is sometimes interpreted negatively but what you see is what you get. I know I am imperfect in many ways but will not be confined to the definitions of others. I am a work in progress on an inner journey with divine help and without the frills or pretense

I have grown!
I have grown wiser;
heart has gotten stronger
My glance much longer
As I embrace age and life’s rage.

Stressors have shrunken
days have lengthened
Anger became lighter
Life has become sweeter
While I combat strife in its faceLet Earth burn with hate
I will not participate
I will anticipate the moment
Time ceases and grief releases
peace, peace, peace.

For each drop of ink, screen flares lightning,
skin pinches, brain cells break, bones ache, ears ring,
seared skin simmers, antics mount.
Night owls become nightmares in New Age predictions;
delivering each blow without blinking.
When will this stop! or will the glass ceiling pop?

Yet this consciousness says we need each other;
the evil must work for good to prosper.
Poor needs rich, East needs West, North needs South,
good needs bad to complete the whole.
Unless- the compromise rests or lies in a well-liked word
named Love.

I cannot cover the hole or turn away
I cannot cover the hole in my soul unless –
Unless I can articulate the source of my pain

My country has birthed me
I was taught pride in self and nation
Pride in my tongue; knowing where it belonged
Pride in my skin and in who I am
Respect for the human family.
I cannot cover the hole in my soul unless –
Unless I can recognize what life tossed at me
and know exactly what’s really mine

My country has birthed me
I was not taught the subtleties of racism,
Injustice, human indignity, warped equality.
I now recognize the relativity of democracy, free speech,
and thoughts-only after I exposed my insensibility
I cannot cover the hole in my soul until –
Until I can reconcile my confusion, pain
and disappointment in humanity

My country has birthed me
I was taught to take people at their word
I cannot cover the hole in my soul unless-
Unless I can articulate the source of my pain.

Two paths lay before us
one lit with dazzling gold;
the traffic is really swift
the other plain and narrow
with snail-paced grit.
Choose your path in wisdom
less you be outwitted
and the glory turns to dust.

Flip Your lenses and see
it is not what it seems
please believe me.Flip

Your lenses and see
it’s turned upside down
it’s not what it seems
believe me.

Look down from above
then up from below
It’s turned inside out
upside down, believe me.It is not half full
it is not half empty,
this crystal is lead
please believe me.it is not brown
It is not the ground
It is not the sky
It is scarlet dew,
believe me.

Wash your groggy eyes
clear your weary minds
then look twice with the soul.
it is not what it seems
now believe me.

The first time we danced
was the night you proposed
We knew there and then
our destiny was settled
Our feet intertwined
as we grooved toe to toe
There we bumped and wiggled
to the slide and twist
Then we both shimmied
down to the floor.

Our eyes talked then
our lips made a pact
The longing was sealed
in your long embrace.
Tonight my love
we have tied the knot,
Just dance with me.

Dance to the rhythm of our hearts
as we did that night
The floor is waiting,
they are playing our song.
Come let us groove
till they dim those lights
Let us create new memories
through this special dance.

Hold me closer, let us sway
in unison to each waltz
As we synchronize each step
our bodies become one
The symbol of the journey
we have begun.

Dance with me my love,
let us rehearse each move
Hurry the night on
till our last guest is gone
Then we will dance
to our own eternal song
for the rest of our lifetime,
just dance with me.

Every muscle
every cell
every silence
streams praise
to you, Abba
for the taste
of your ultimate gift
of life that breathes
into a new day.
May all sing your
unceasing praises
and lift your name
above all fears,
all kingdoms,
all powers, amen.

Soft white lily bobbing your head
to the push of the gentle wind.
Like a boat being tossed by the waves
you sway backwards and sideways
in tune with its rhythm.
Oh how gracefully you glide
as the wind caresses.

East wind of the West soars high
above chasms made of hate and lies.
Your strength known in diversity
clings tight to remnant liberty
where all was one and one was all
left centre stage reality.

Oh Southern wind of Western sky
where black men live and made to die
strangers in toughened skins and hides,
unsure of their identities, lash out in rage
and bitter grief, each day a kinsman’s left to lie

Will selves to float up up on high
o’er rage and hate and senseless fights.
Change now the course of human hearts
where many souls are marked to part
or trapped neath darkened secret lies.
Knees bent below oppressors blow
awaiting change to quell each groan.

Winds of change sweep sea and land
cleanse crust and core of evil hands
Leave nothing undisturbed or neat
unruffled stroke of divers plagues.
Drench each breath with love and joy
carry all pain to mountains high
so mothers, fathers, cousins, child
live cheerful, peaceful chainless lives.

The foolish gathers but in vain
gems, boats, luxury and fame.
The widow gathers painful woes
knowing not which wind will blow.
But she in humble solitude
prays to God in gratitude.

The foolish sailed against the rocks
a life of risks and heartless knocks.
He sails against the mighty waves
no care for lowly mindless slaves.
The widow still in platitude
sang praise to God for air and food.

But when they reached Heaven’s throne
The foolish found he was on his own.
No jet, no boat or real estate
himself stood trembling at the gate.

The angel beckoned to the one
whose grace had overcome and won.
The widow’s faith all mattered then
She’d run life’s race right to the end.

Nothing can be more tuneful
than the charades of early birds
chirping like automated orchestras
humming in refrain to the language of love
in myriads of tongues and tones.
Early Bird catches, watches and sings
till everyone wakes to drink life
before sunrise on the sea of rapturous
nature.

This is bliss.
Consciousness rising,
a Phoenix ready to lift
to an immortal swelled sea of knowing
where everything is nothing
and nothing is all there be,
a sea of unending possibilities.
May thy will be done.

Each sinew speaks as tenseness eases,
the taste of relaxation squeezes
through each pore: each wave
a tingling sensation that connects to the soul.
Stars in the eyes, the mind’s eyes
symphony of peace, being one with self releases.
Singing songs of restitution, restoration, positive vibration,
love surging to a crescendo of exhilarating tons of love.
I love, I do. Peace, now- put up your feet.
Chilaxing and relaxing in love.

As I lay me down to sleep
I pray my God my life you’ll keep
Be the bearer of my soul
Keep me safe and make me whole
Be the light in these weary eyes
to watch and guard each silent sigh
Send an angel on each side
to guard me safely though the night
Make my dream an answer be
to guide my wake in purity
Make each shadow a candle stick
to reveal the devil’s wicked tricks
Clench each dart that comes my way
Bury them safely in Golgotha’s grave. AMEN.

Awaken to searing numbness of prolonged death defied,
the characterized pain broke her wings again and she tipped;
opened the flood gate of dried well; turned her heart inside out
to her God; willed Him to explain silent distance as evil rained nights
of blackened light on tormented follicles and cells under scarred skin.

Over time pain ebbed and she relented to close the morn
but soon the unperturbed implant decided to attack her bowels
with his usual flashing gadget stacked in front militant chest
emitting cloaked rays below the waist.

DNA imprint and script of open terror consciously aimed invisible missiles
with marked intent to sever or maim until later when she lies still and drained
in isolated cocoon cell where evil crawls throughout walls
to bring her under subjugation of collective non-consensual game
of hate and necrophiliacs’ rage that stalks night through walls and skies

when the dumber consciousness of us slumbers preoccupied
and victims weep silently on broken wings waiting and hoping
to survive another day of pretended gait on tipped wings.

When midnight rests
the hornets’ nests
doth wake!
Pilfering fumes of death
in stealth her dreams doth take,
till Gossamer ”s shield
in frenzy shakes his feet,
to wake the night and charge
the dawn to speak.
Then the hornets’ flight
night’s pestilence desists.

Taking God off the pages of Holy Books and putting him in our hearts, thoughts and actions in these perilous times through songs, social media, poems, reflections, video logs and blogs present plethora of ways to seek and rest in God’s presence in 2017 and onwards.

Listening to and reading His words may become tedious for the spiritually oppressed. The battle for man’s soul has heightened in these times. Emerging from this bondage when God is all that’s left and the world provides no other option, the Holy Spirit may turn the darkness into poems and songs to inspire others. Enjoy the journey on this site and pass the love on to others in spiritual needs.

I usher in a rich day;
I am awake and grateful.
Thank you Father for fresh air,
sound sleep, chorus of birds,
the hope today brings.
Thanks for the shield,
the word, the thought,
lessons, the pitta patter.
Amen and Amen.

Every muscle
every cell
every silence
streams praise
to you, Abba
for the taste
of your ultimate gift
of life that breathes
into a new day.
May all sing your
unceasing praises
and lift your name
above all fears,
all kingdoms,
all powers, amen.

The foolish gathered but in vain
gems, boats, luxury and fame.
The widow gathered painful woes
knowing not which wind would blow.
But she in humble solitude
prays to God in gratitude.

The foolish sailed against the rocks
a life of risks and heartless knocks.
He sailed against the mighty waves
no care for lowly mindless slaves.
The widow still in platitude
sang praise to God for air and food.

But when they reached Heaven’s throne
The foolish found he was on his own.
No jet, no boat or real estate
himself stood trembling at the gate.

The angel beckoned to the one
whose grace had overcome and won.
The widow’s faith all mattered then
She’d run life’s race right to the end.

Come tingle the length and breadth of my heart
until I taste the tantalizing breath of
that sacred feeling immortalized in love.

The agape kind of purple and red
that knows no doubt nor in between.
The kind that stops in the throat with no word
to explain the heaving or sighing of the swallow
even when the taste has left and the chocolate river
no longer drowns the unmistakable taste
of untainted love.

God is present in my deepest pain
He lightens the burden when it’s too much to bear.
He lights dark pathways when the feet doth stray
And comforts weary hearts when life implodes
Let us in steadfast hold on to those reins
Knowing in earnest if our grips doth fail
He will anchor those reins in our hands again. Hallelujah!

Yes I know
who holds my hand
guiding, prodding me on
through tunnels of love
and skeletal graves
of whispered hate.
Yes, I know who holds
the future of uncertainty
on this human journey
with a working compass of love.
The ancient omnipotence
holding each star in place
’til the final trumpet breaks
crystal clouds of wrath
to signal the end to new starts
and glory of His son.

Thanks for the Shadows, thanks for the rain
Thanks for new sunshine, thanks for lost pain
Thanks for the healing of the broken
and lost
For knowing your sunshine still warm cold hearts.
Dim the dark voices and light up today.
Joy and new blessings to brighten the way.

Divine love sown in showers
Garlands of peace to sooth brittle thirsty hearts
Clearing heavenly pathways to divine
springs of souls etched in scars.
Cool morning air after Night’s
sacred showers that came and went
just in time to His will.

As I lay me down to sleep
I pray my God my life you’ll keep
Be the bearer of my soul
Keep me safe and make me whole
Be the light in these weary eyes
to watch and guard each silent sigh
Send an angel on each side
to guard me safely though the night
Make my dream an answer be
to guide my wake in purity
Make each shadow a candle stick
to reveal the devil’s wicked tricks
Clench each dart that comes my way
Bury them safely in Golgotha’s grave. AMEN.

Father, this moment is yours ;
I raise a thankful heart of praises
as atonement for my failures.
All pain, all guilt I place under your Grace
to be circumcised, purified and pruned
to reflect you and your design for my life.
I fall and fail to serve your will daily.
Bring me through temptations and ill will.
I love you, Abba! thanks for undeserving love.
Yes, you alone are God and you own life.

He has a keen sense of humour,’ I would often say.
When each impossibility he guided my way
Life’s wretched cruelty may harden my mind
But in God my creator sweet solace I’d find

He has a promptness about Him, always just on time
When my enemies snicker he says ‘You’ll be fine!’
Most of all he knows whatever is best
And often my patience he chooses to test

My God will never abandon me that much I know
Though I often falter, faith in Him I must grow
At times I cannot fathom why His love still remains
His unwilting grace sustains me, during life’s cruel pain

He provides shield and armor in a world laced with fear
Opens bosom of comfort to dry many tears
Led me through countless hazards, traps and regrets
Offers wisdom and courage in each goal I set

I cannot well imagine what my life would have been
Hadn’t he pardoned me and let His spirit come in
Now His joy in me has shattered mine enemies plan
I am sold out to God in every way that I can.

Pain of burnt joy,
melting ice-cold love
dripping from frigid hearts
as we toggle to silent tune
of unprovoked soul-snatching
war against blind anesthesia
where body counts
mount
to secret high
and gates stand ajar
to love.

Melva Davids 2013

(Faith is a gift from God wrapped up in trust and hope. Faith is revealed in the request of Jairus for his daughter’s life, and the woman with the issue of blood. Unwrapping our faith takes Grace and diligence to the Word. His Grace will help in the sense-making of the demonic force that seeks to distract us and devour our souls. God is good and His mercy is everlasting).

If my words do not speak truth;
expose what’s real
If my thoughts do not seek to heal;
my lips you should seal
If my life does not comply
to principles of love.
Remove the veil from my mind
and make me worthily transform.

It glistens in sunlight reflecting dashed hopes;
shattered dreams glowing and sighing at what have been
Onward whispering at each seed of love, each pain and hurt;
an estuary of hope. Creates countless ripples wherever it rests.

Its caressing charm calmly inspires, during twists

through life’s valleys and droughts through life’s trails.

It pleases my spirit when I sit on its bank,
to gather my thoughts and meditate on life’s pranks.
I’d then dived bravely into its fathomless depth
and discover anew life’s burdens have been swept.

So I’ll surrender each breathe to this tranquil delight,
of the river that gives zest to my heart, soul and mind
And pray most earnestly it will never run dry;
for then I would no longer know the joy of true life,
of inner contentment and abundant peace;
The blessings and honor my soul has released.

I tend to ponder and analyze the meaning of men
At lightning pace I’d tried to keep up with the race
But whenever I stumble and nothing makes sense
I’d turn to what really mattered, your wisdom and grace

My greatest fear when’er I seek tides of silk
Where material possessions are the pleasures of sin
I may get all wallowed in this quagmire of greed
Losing sight of what matters, your abundant grace

At times I get side-tracked all wrapped up in self
My shadowy past blocks the light to your path
I’d stumble in darkness until your tender arms reach
Snatch me from those shadows into your fullness of grace

What doth it profit to have accolades of men
When my brother is drowning in hunger and pain?
What doth it matter if I’ve got riches untold
If I stumble and fall from your amazing love?

My fervent prayer as I tread waves of time
Is to stay on this course of power and truth
Your words are my stronghold, when life falls apart
So guide me each day as I seek your true grace.

My mountain top experiences were your divine course
On life’s road I trod, not knowing where I was going
Down in the valley low the many rivers I’d cross
I knew you were standing close, a life line you’d toss

My desert experiences you carried me through
Life changing decisions, you showed me what to do
When tempted or tried your tender voice I’d hear
Those words were my anchor in moments of fear

As I face my new battles being tossed to and fro
Your Holy Spirit is guiding the way I should go
So I place all my sins, all my sorrows and pain
Into your healing hands so you’ll restore me again

In solace he reaches hiding his cares
Your words he reads to comfort his fears
No money, no cure, his reality lies bare
death’s arrow shunted but for a day.

He knows not the Healer whose power still stands
Dear Father I come on bending knees to this altar
I crave wisdom and healing through your anointed words
So I beg first forgiveness for all my many faults.
Remove clouds of doubts so to his soul I can speak.

Strengthen his hearts, you know all his needs.
Restore health and harmony in body, mind and soul
Rekindle his will, his family console so agonizing silence

who in quandary looks on, can replace nothingness
with hope when hopelessness calls

Be physician, provider and ultimate friend
Let thy will be done, Lord let each seek your face
The cancer is yours let your miracle be seen
Speak to his heart so he finds peace within every thought.
Holy Spirit sweet love divine please be his strength.

Father, I have pleaded, placed this case at the cross
The decision is yours, see this battle through.
We are but your hand-made, You know our fate
Let your will be done, Lord as I honor your name

Like this:

As I stood on the cliffs of the Feather-bed Reserve in South Africa gazing out to where these two massive bodies of water met, my adrenaline erupted. The exhilaration of braving and conquering my phobia for height was intensified by the sheer bliss of the natural piece of artwork seen from behind my lens. This is an artist’s paradise, I thought to myself. The treacherous pathway to the Feather-bed Lake lay ominously below as the oceans greeted each other.

The Sea Calls Me

Waves beating haste to the ebb of the flow
washed by moonlight in night’s shadow glow
With open arms sea languished bare
bathed in lovers’ glare; invited me to its lair

Waves met me knee deep before my head could think.
What creature screams my name and whose pale eyes blink?
Her alluring smile and cooing voice propelled me forward
at the edge of the board walk; back arches shoreward

Enraptured I tried to touch silk-cushy brown
but she, her honey coated curved wet lips dove down
her magnetic eyes drew imprint on foggy brain
I watched as silvery blue tail cut through like glossy rain

The first time we danced
was the night you proposed
We knew there and then
our destiny was settled
Our feet intertwined
as we grooved toe to toe
There we bumped and wiggled
to the slide and twist
Then we both shimmied
down to the floor.

Our eyes talked then
our lips made a pact
The longing was sealed
in your long embrace.
Tonight my love
we have tied the knot,
Just dance with me.

Dance to the rhythm of our hearts
as we did that night
The floor is waiting,
they are playing our song.
Come let us groove
till they dim those lights
Let us create new memories
through this special dance.

Hold me closer, let us sway
in unison to each waltz
As we synchronize each step
our bodies become one
The symbol of the journey
we have begun.

Dance with me my love,
let us rehearse each move
Hurry the night on
till our last guest is gone
Then we will dance
to our own eternal song
for the rest of our lifetime,
just dance with me.

The Light Concept of God

Today’s sermon on ‘God is Light,’ courtesy of ‘International Central Gospel Church’ spoke to my heart. This post will review the sermon as basis for my own self process. I will chronicle my notes on the sermon.
Thought 1: God is Absolute Light
As expounded based on 1 John 1:5, God is absolute light with no darkness. The verse predisposes that there is absolute light and absolute darkness. The concept of God as light was established in Genesis 1:3-5, “Let there be Light and there was Light.” Light was spoken into being by God who then separated the light from the darkness and called the light day and the darkness night.
Since light proceeds from the word of God then if God speaks to the mind or the heart, light will enter. God’s word is knowledge which is another light concept. Ignorance may be seen as synonymous to darkness and knowledge, light. God’s words bring us into goodness and knowledge so in Genesis God, having separated the darkness from the light saw that ‘it was good.’ The thought then is that light should be separated from darkness as he symbolically divided light from darkness since creation.
Thought 2: Jesus is the Light of the World
Jesus declared that ‘I am the light of the world’ among other representations of his divinity. The light has transcended to the Son and Redeemer who was from the beginning and forever will be. Christ therefore comes to “bring life more abundantly,” not death. Light supports and represents life while darkness supports and represents destruction and death. From a biblical perspective, the concept of light may therefore be viewed as being synonymous to life and knowledge. Therefore, actions that seek to destroy life or hide or misrepresent truth or knowledge may be perceived as being not of the light but of the darkness. God is light and Jesus is the way to light, life, truth, love and all that is good (The Gospels).
Thought 3: We are the Light of the World
Those who believe and receive the word through Jesus are also called children of the light in the same way those who seek darkness are children of darkness. As stated in the gospel, “you are the light of the world…. let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify thy Father who is in Heaven.”
Children of the light should choose good over evil or light over darkness in all things. The light of the world should be like ‘a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid.’ Light provides revelation of God to the world. Ignorance should not be an option for the believer. The more intense the light, the less is the darkness. As stated by the Minister, if something is not lined up with the truth of God, it is of darkness or a lie. As God is light, Christ is light and the children of God are the light of the world representing their creator and redeemer who personify light.
Luke 8:16 admonishes that we should not put our light under the bushel, basket or mat but on a lamp stand so it can shine. The bushel, a vessel used to establish a standard measure adds a bit more to the idea of the light going out because it is hidden. It augurs that if the light is put under the measure approved by the world, the light can suffocate and eventually go out. The world should not dictate what the light should be or do because the children of light are the God given light of the world who should spread their lights into the dark areas of this world.
How can we shine our light in a world without getting dizzy by the world’s distractions? Today we can choose to be destructive towards self and others or live in darkness or we can choose to do good and live as children of the light with our light shining from the lamp stand of our hearts. Like the Psalmist we can let God’s words be a light unto our paths or we can choose to be dazzled and live in spiritual darkness. Do we choose darkness which brings hurt and death or do we choose life?
I pray my little self indulgence may ignite the light in someone today, Amen.https://wordpress.com/post/lampstand2016.wordpress.com/2

How to Walk

Walking in God’s favor emerges as a process not an instant end point. Having the knowledge of how to walk in and through Christ will be summarized based on the continuance of the sermon on which the post, ‘Concept of God as Light’ was based.

So if God is light and light feeds life, knowledge, truth and all that is good then having knowledge of how to walk is crucial to perfecting this walk according to the word of God

Thought 1: Walking in the Light of God

Children of the light will not stumble if ‘God’s words become a lamp unto their feet and light unto their hearts.’ to shed light on all the dark choices and situations faced daily. Believers are appointed light of the world through the spoken divine words of God. As admonished, this light should be placed on a lamp stand not under a bushel so that it can shed light for others to see.

A light at the end of the tunnel
a single candle flickers bright
signalling hope to the dreary.
Without the grip of its stand its beam fades
but this single flicker stands its ground
awaits the shout, ‘ he has come!’
Then this lonely light welcomes a stranger in.

If we let the Holy Spirit into our hearts and minds Light enters to guard and guide the works that originate in our hearts and minds.

Thought 2: Walk in the Knowledge of God

When we walk in the knowledge of God we learn to do things like forgive even our enemies and give even when we have little for ourselves. The knowledge of God enlightens our spiritual darkness.

Thought 3: Walk in and by Faith

When we walk by faith we trust God to do things and our light will show. We walk by faith not by sight, we walk by the Spirit not by the flesh or the carnal mind.The unbeliever who walks by sight is led by the flesh while the believer who walks by faith is led by the Holy Spirit. There are many promises made by the giver of light and life to those who trust in His judgement. For example, there is a simple reminder that no weapon formed against the children of Light will prosper and in 2 Timothy 1:7 they are reminded that God gave them a spirit of love, power and a sound mind. Goodness and mercy are rewards for walking in and by faith. The flesh is subdued and light shines.

Thought 4: Walk in Love

God is love, children of God should let their love shine forth. Children of Light understand forgiveness and giving as well as obedience to the Word as demonstration of divinely centered love or agape love.

Thought 5: Walk in Wisdom

We are encouraged to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things will be added unto us. Also, like King Solomon, in all our getting we should get knowledge. We show wisdom when we manage time like the ants who gather in the Summer in preparation for the Winter when there is scarcity of food. Having a twenty year plan for ones life according to this Minister is a necessity and demonstrates wisdom because we cannot redeem wasted time. We should not waste money on addictions so that we can live a good life even on a low salary. Wisdom is shown when we manage resources, money, relationships, study and prayer time.

These are sobering thoughts on how to walk in the light of God that only some will contemplate. May these thoughts resurrect a stirring in someone’s heart today.

Discipline is my passport through life It opens closed doors to the conscious and wise Opportunities will knock but can pass me by If all I know are indiscipline and strife

Discipline, like a bike can take me around But I must keep my balance or fall to the ground Temptations in life can my life entrap But with discipline I can avoid setbacks

As I ride through life’s corridors I must not be upset If life denies me of things I cannot or should not get With hard work and inner strength I will one day be able to seek and find all my dreams, wants and needs

Self discipline will carry me through countless valleys It will take me over numerous winding hills It will guide me across many dry and barren deserts Till I find my purpose and reach my destination where life awaits to greet me and fulfill my every dream!